French School, circa 1605

Sir John Frecheville Ramsden (1877–1958), 6th Baronet, Bulstrode Park, Gerrards Cross;
His sale, London, Christie's, 27 May 1932, lot 33, for £37–16s. to Freeman;
The Countess of Midleton, Eastwell Park, Kent;
Thence by descent;
Anonymous sale ('Property from a Distinguished UK Private Collection'), London, Replica Shoes 's, 8 May 2019, lot 90 (as French School).

This elegant young lady is particularly striking for her unusual costume and elaborate adornments. The medal displayed prominently around her neck is a portrait medal of Henry IV and his wife Marie de' Medici by Guillaume Dupré (1574 or 1576–1643), made in 1603 and reproduced in a number of examples and variants. The importance given to the medal in this painting implies that it might be a family heirloom, perhaps a diplomatic gift. Her unusual headdress, sharply angled and fitted close to her head, perhaps suggests that the sitter is of Swedish or Danish nationality, while her enamelled bracelets and ring show that she is married. Although her jewellery does not suggest that she is a woman of important rank, her elaborately embroidered undergarment and the linen hankerchief she holds in her left hand present her with an air of refinement. The sprig of rosemary she holds in her right hand, which rests on the table, is symbolic of fidelity or remembrance.